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Trip

Backpack - Tumac Mountain & Twin Sisters Lakes Loop

Fall backpack trip to the plateau north of White Pass. Meadows in fall colors, lakes and perhaps some bugling elk.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 17.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 on uphill, 2.0 on flat or downhill

0900 at Dog Lake TH, just east of White Pass on Hwy. 12

This area just north of White Pass is a large plateau with a ton of small lakes, ponds and marshy meadows. It is mosquito paradise and best avoided in summer.  From the White Pass area we will do a loop to Twin Sisters Lakes and Tumac mountain.  Expect 9 miles each day, with the day that skips Tumac Mountain having less elevation gain.  

My expectations for trip participants are as follows:

1. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.

2. Have the physical conditioning necessary for this trip. Other than the ascent up Tumac Mountain most of the route is flat or gently uphill/downhill. 

3. Be comfortable with shoulder-season backpacking. This means it will be colder overnight, the ground might be wet, there might even be a bit of snow on the ground. There is also less daylight and so more time spent in the tent and/or in the dark.

4. Be respectful of all participants.

My  goals for this trip are as follows:

1. Be safe.

2. Have fun.

3. Explore the two Twin Sisters lakes and check out the view from Tumac mountain.

4. Be comfortable. Inclement weather will cancel the trip. 

Things to think about when signing up for this trip:

1. If you do not have a backpacking course badge, please tell me about your backpacking experience, especially shoulder season trips, in your e-mail.

2. White Pass is a long drive from Seattle.  

3. There could be mud or snow.

4. Hunters might be in the area. This trip falls during archery season, but not rifle season. 

Route/Place

Tumac Mountain & Twin Sisters Lakes



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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
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